Affirmation: Gay & Lesbian Mormons

The Utah AIDS Foundation announces Health Summit in Salt Lake City, Utah
“A holistic approach to gay men's health”

July 2008

Gay men's health will be the focus of The Village Summit, a weekend retreat to be held at the Jewish Community Center August 1st-3rd. Formerly known as “Invenio” and currently in its 7th year, the theme for this year's Summit will be “Pride Elevated.”

“Utah's slogan is ‘Life Elevated’ and we wanted to play with that concept this year.” Says Franklin Evans, the event's co-chair. “How can we as gay men elevate our pride in ourselves; our bodies, sexuality, and our relationships? We're going to delve into these questions, and have fun doing it.”

“Something new this year for participants is an entire workshop track focused on fitness. It includes yoga, self-defense, cardio training, queer sports, and massage.” Franklin says. “The physical track complements discussions on love and relationships, sexual health, and political activism.”

Jeremiah Hansen, Summit co-chair and Utah AIDS Foundation representative, highlights the fact that “the Village Summit is truly a grassroots event with lots of local support. We are excited to have Kilo Zamora of the Inclusion Center as our keynote speaker, and Dottie Dixon from KRCL will be making a special appearance, followed by the ‘Temple Squares,’ a new GLBT square dancing association. What better way to celebrate our Utah Heritage than by participating in some square dancing?”

Also on board: Poolside entertainment by the Queer Utah Aquatics Club and the Utah Cyber Sluts, and Sunday brunch prepared by the Spicy Dinners Group.

“For more than 25 years, gay men have measured their health with an HIV-centric frame of mind.” says David Ferguson, former Utah AIDS Foundation programming director and a member of the planning committee. “HIV is no longer necessarily considered a terminal illness; while HIV remains a primary concern for many gay men, and we will have a special presentation on HIV and substance use, the Village Summit will broaden the notion of health beyond HIV status with a holistic approach to gay men's health.”

Our aim is to move the local gay men's health movement forward, with a spirit of passion, energy, and fun. For more information and to register visit www.ugmh.com or call Jeremiah Hansen at (801) 487-2323 or 800-865-5004. The Village Summit is a program of the Utah AIDS Foundation. For more information visit www.utahaids.org.